What is gum disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about seventy percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point of their life. It is caused by bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on the teeth. Toxins released by these bacteria irritate the gums and cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets, which fill with more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed.  more

The American Dental Association says that over 75-80% of all adults have or will have some form of gum disease. Gum disease, or more correctly called “periodontal disease”, is a bacterial infection in the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It can be divided into several categories. The first stage is called “gingivitis” and is characterized by gum tissue that is red, puffy, and bleeds easily when touched with a toothbrush, floss or dental instrument. The second, third, and fourth stages are initial, moderate, and advanced “periodontal disease”, respectively. These stages are different from gingivitis because the infection has destroyed the bone supporting the teeth, causing eventual tooth loss.  more

Gum disease; also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. Studies show that even mild gum disease has been linked to a number of other serious illnesses which affect a large percentage of the population- even healthy adults.  more

A mild form of gum disease with inflammation of the gum is called gingivitis. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. As gingivitis is usually very mild; many people may have it and not know. Gingivitis should be treated, because it can progress into serious gum disease. If a person's gums are red instead of pink, inflamed, swollen and bleed when they brush their teeth, they most likely have gingivitis. Gingivitis is mainly caused by inadequate oral hygiene - not brushing your teeth enough or properly, and not flossing. Plaque, a sticky substance made up of bacteria builds up in the teeth. The bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums. Most of us will have a mild case of gingivitis some time during our lifetime. According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary: Gingivitis is "Inflammation of the gingiva as a response to bacterial plaque on adjacent teeth; characterized by erythema, edema, and fibrous enlargement of the gingiva without resorption of the underlying alveolar ...  more

Gum disease describes two major categories. The first and more minor form is known as gingivitis, or the inflammation of the gums. This form is usually easily treated by having your teeth thoroughly cleaned and adopting good oral health habits as described by your dentist and hygienist. The second form is known as periodontitis, which is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. This disease is defined by the loss of the supporting structures of the teeth (i.e. the foundation) such as the fibrous attachments and bone. The disease is caused by the accumulation of destructive bacteria under the gums that cannot be treated by the patient, or even a dental cleaning. A variety of therapies are available but once a patient has periodontitis, it is very difficult to completely “heal” them, and frequent maintenance and diligence is necessary by all for the rest of the patient’s life.  more

In the broadest sense, the term gum disease--or periodontal disease--describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. "Periodontal" means "around the tooth." Gum disease begins with plaque, which is always forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. When it accumulates to excessive levels, it can harden into a substance called tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar is so tightly bound to teeth that it can be removed only during a professional cleaning. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. Each stage is characterized by what a dentist sees and feels in your mouth, and by what's happening under your gumline. Although gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis, it's important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.  more

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, as it is also called is the number one cause of tooth loss today. The reason you lose teeth from gum disease is because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone, which is the foundation in which your teeth rest. As the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth, your teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Anyone at any age is susceptible to gum disease, but usually periodontal disease is evident in adulthood. Gum disease is a complex breakdown of the gum and bone surrounding teeth, caused by an inflammatory process from the presence of plaque. If the plague is not removed on a daily basis it will form calculus, which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause periodontal disease. Bleeding gums are the first sign that there may be a problem with the gums. Puffy, tender red gums are also a sign that there is an infection present. Bleeding gums however are not always present even in severe cases of gum disease. Routine ...  more

In some individuals, gingivitis can worsen to more serious stages of gum disease, also known as periodontitis. In the early stages of periodontitis, your gums may recede from your teeth and there may be mild loss of bone tissue. In the advanced stages, your teeth may loosen and you may develop bad breath and bad taste in your mouth. Your teeth may become very sensitive to hot and cold, and your gums may bleed and become swollen. Approximately 70% of all tooth loss in adults over 40 years old is caused by gum disease. A comprehensive examination and X-rays are critical to detecting early gum disease since conditions such as bone loss can become serious problems before they are visible in the mouth.  more

Gum disease or periodontal disease or gingivitis as it is also called is the number one cause of tooth loss today. The reason you loose teeth from gum disease is because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone, which are the foundation in which your teeth rest. As the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth, your teeth become loose and eventually fall out. Anyone at any age is susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plague is not removed on a daily basis it will form calculus, which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause periodontal disease. Bleeding gums are the first sign that there may be a problem with the gums. Puffy, tender red gums are also a sign that there is an infection present. Bleeding gums however are not always present even in severe cases of gum disease. Routine and regular visits to your dentist are the best way of catching gum disease in its early stages before too much damage has been caused. Gum disease ...  more

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.  more